Central - Northern Illinois

[paul.segovich]

Hey everyone!
I've been around here a bit, but I feel like there is still more to learn.
A bit of a back story here.
I purchased a new Black car early last year, and babied it like no ones business. Living in Illinois though, it was inevitable winter would arrive, and it did. Over the course of the season that seems to last eternities, my car no longer is as clean as I would like it to be.
Onto what I'm looking for.
I'd like someone, who very much knows their way around detailing, to help me get my car back into shape for summer. Someone to help me through each step, and criticize what I'm doing wrong, if anything.
I have and can bring a majority of supplies needed, including compounds, DA, etc.

She's probably not in much need of anything but a good clay and perhaps M205/wax. But it's the details that I would need most help with.

Shoot me offers, and let's get her lookin' new again!

And, a few pictures of what we will be working on/with.



Here are a few picture after the first real wash through winter, proof that this isn't a huge job.

[wifpd4]

Re: Central - Northern Illinois

Paul,

I'm just a little confused. You've got all the tools (a G110v2) and supplies (m105-m205-cleaner wax-whatever), you've modified the car extensively (implying you're kinda handy), the car looks pretty darn good (you take good care of it), you've been hanging out here for awhile and you say you need help.

Now either your joking with us or your being serious. If joking, okay I got it. If you're serious, I'm sure someone will take you up on your offer. If you are serious and no one takes you up on your offer, where do you think you are having trouble? Is the car swirled up after the Illinois winter and you can't get the swirls out?

You know the big steps, I've read some of your other posts: Wash, Clay, Clean, Polish (optional), Protect. Clean is where I have trouble and only a test area will give you the answer as to how to proceed. As good of care as you give your car, I doubt (but have been wrong before) you need M105. Ultimate Compound can solve a lot of problems, but so might SwirlX. Start with the least aggressive on your test area and if it works move on section by section to the rest of the car. If, say SwirlX doesn't work, then move up to Ultimate Compound. Slow arm speed, fast DA speed, firm pressure, yellow Meguiar's pad and small work area. Ultimate Compound may leave some hazing and you may need to follow up with SwirlX.

Polishing is considered by Meguiar's to be optional, but I've gotten into the habit of doing it anyway on my favorite color, black. Your M205 can do a bang up job with a softer pad, slow arm speed, moderate DA speed and moderate to light pressure. It will also remove any hazing left by your previous steps.

Ultimate Polish is a derivative of M205 and I love it as a pre-wax product. Great stuff. You may wish to give it a go.

I would suggest moving up to Ultimate Wax. You describe your car as sort of a daily driver and it would need a long lasting wax and UltWax is reputed to be Meguiar's longest lasting sealant. It looks great on black or black looks great with it, however you want to say it. Read as much as you can about it before using UltWax, as it can be wiped off rather quickly or left on for quite awhile before wiping off. Allow appropriate cure time and lay down a second layer.

So my final suggestion, takes of photos in the sun (if it ever comes out again) or use a strong flashlight and post some photos of your problem areas and someone of longer and better experience than I will be happy to help. I just happened to be up early with a little time to kill....

[blue-sun]

Re: Central - Northern Illinois

Paul,

My in-law's (father/mother in law and my sister-in-law and her husband/kids) live in Marseilles, not far from the first pic you posted. I can definately help you out, send me a PM with your info and we'll go from there.

David